Idiopathic Perforated Intussusception in Adult – Case Report

Adult intussusception is typically less common as compared to paediatric population.  Adult intussusception makes 5% of all the cases of intestinal obstruction and it may be primary or secondary in nature. Mostly patients present with abdominal pain in emergency department. CT scan is the preferred diagnostic imaging modality. Unlike in the pediatric population, where conservative management is often attempted, surgical intervention with formal resection is the preferred treatment approach in adults with intussusception because of high incidence of some associated pathology. We present a case report of a middle-aged woman who presented with signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction and was diagnosed with intussusception and peritonitis. Exploratory laparotomy and formal resection of the affected bowel segment with ileostomy was performed, and no underlying pathology was identified that makes this case an unusual one.